Hadith #2086

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states, "بِئْسَ الرَّفيقُ الحِرْصُ۔" which translates to

The worst companion is greed.

Let us delve into the meaning and significance of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (rafiq) "رَفِيقُ" in Arabic refers to a companion, associate, or friend. It signifies someone with whom we share our time, thoughts, and experiences. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the detrimental nature of a specific type of companion - (al-hirs) "الحِرْصُ", which means greed or avarice.

Greed, in its essence, is an insatiable desire for wealth, power, or possessions. It is an excessive longing for material gain, often at the expense of others. Greed blinds individuals, leading them to prioritize their own interests above all else, disregarding the well-being of others and the principles of justice and fairness.

To understand the gravity of this warning, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly condemns the vice of greed. In Surah Al-Imran (3:180), Allah says,

And let not those who [greedily] withhold what Allah has given them of His bounty ever think that it is better for them. Rather, it is worse for them. Their necks will be encircled by what they withheld on the Day of Resurrection.

This verse emphasizes the consequences of greed, highlighting that those who hoard their wealth and deny others their rights will face severe retribution on the Day of Judgment. Greed not only harms individuals in this world but also has grave consequences in the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Humazah (104:1-3), Allah describes the characteristics of a person consumed by greed, saying,

Woe to every scorner and mocker who collects wealth and [continuously] counts it. He thinks that his wealth will make him immortal.

These verses depict the delusion of the greedy individual who believes that their amassed wealth will grant them immortality and eternal happiness. However, Allah warns that such individuals will face a woeful fate due to their arrogance, mockery, and obsession with material possessions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the dangers of greed and the importance of choosing our companions wisely. Greed is not only detrimental to our spiritual well-being but also to our relationships and society as a whole. A companion driven by greed will lead us astray, encouraging us to prioritize our own desires over the principles of justice, compassion, and generosity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, warns us about the negative influence of greed. He urges us to seek companions who embody the values of selflessness, contentment, and generosity. By surrounding ourselves with individuals who prioritize the well-being of others and strive for justice, we can cultivate a positive and righteous environment.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the company we keep and to avoid the companionship of those driven by greed. Greed is a destructive trait that not only harms individuals but also corrupts societies. By heeding this warning and seeking companions who embody the values of selflessness and generosity, we can strive towards a more just and compassionate world. May Allah protect us from the perils of greed and guide us to choose companions who inspire us to be better Muslims.